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Governance and Policymaking A strong President – To lead in a period of transition – Legacy of a strong state tradition Dual executive – President and the Prime Minister Bicameral legislature: Federal Assembly The Soviet legacy of hierarchical organization Communist Party of the Soviet Union Party dominance then  individual leaders’ dominance today

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Governance and Policymaking 1993 Constitution: Semi-presidential system President: – Directly elected for 6 years, 2 consecutive terms. – foreign affairs, security, relations with regions – Appoints the PM, approval of the Parliament lower house (Duma) If Duma rejects the PM three times, President can dissolve it – Proposes members of Constitutional, Supreme courts, which are approved by Duma – Right to call a state of emergency, call referendums

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Governance and Policymaking Presidential decrees have force of law until the Parliament passes a formal legislation Yeltsin used decrees more often than Putin Impeachment for treason is possible – Federal Assembly+ Supreme Court+Constitutional Court PM: economy and related areas – PM can be removed by Duma with two consecutive votes of no confidence

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Governance and Policymaking State may own control of shares in key firms. Gazprom: federal government owns 50% Several TV stations are publicly owned Judiciary – The Constitutional Court is cautious not to confront the executive